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2012 Subaru Tribeca Touring review notes: Still a reasonable SUV despite its age

August 29, 2012

1 of 6There's nothing majorly wrong with the Tribeca, but there's nothing here that will make you want this over the plethora of other sport/ute/crossovers on the market today, especially looking at the $40,000 sticker. - Executive Editor Roger Hart

Photo by Subaru

2 of 6From the looks and feel of this tester, it is clear Subaru got the message and is now just playing out the string until the Tribeca ends production after the 2013 model year. - Executive Editor Bob Gritzinger

Photo by Subaru

3 of 6The shortcomings, like what seems like an antiquated five-speed transmission, and the non-telescoping steering column, put it considerably behind other $40,000 vehicles in the market. - Executive Editor Bob Gritzinger

6 of 6This was a car I liked better the more I drove it. - Editor Wes Raynal

Photo by Subaru

2012 Subaru Tribeca Touring

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: This Tribeca has to be one of my least favorite Subaru vehicles, despite some good memories riding in one while chasing rally cars in Wales a few years ago. There's nothing majorly wrong with the Tribeca, but there's nothing here that will make you want this over the plethora of other sport/ute/crossovers on the market today, especially looking at the $40,000 sticker. Although it does have seating for seven if you're looking for that.

The lack of a telescoping steering wheel made it difficult to find a comfortable driving position, which makes any drive somewhat irritating. And the center stack and instrument panel has an old, dated feeling to it.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This was a car I liked better the more I drove it. Initially, I felt it was just another midsize ute, with tight seating in the second and third rows, little power, and sluggish responses.

Over time, however, I grew to appreciate it for being a nice urban vehicle: The softish suspension soaks up the Detroit potholes beautifully—it's one of the more pleasant cars for Detroit I can remember in a while. There's not too much lean in the corners as the suspension firms up decently and the steering felt good.

All that said, I'd take a Mazda CX-9 over this in a heartbeat and maybe one of the GM Lambda vehicles.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Though I understand the basic need of car companies to chase hot market segments—in this case, the crossover SUV zone—the Tribeca has always been a square peg from a company that only makes round holes. With such good vehicles like the Forester and Outback models, which attract buyers who might otherwise buy some typical larger crossover, why pander?

From the looks and feel of this tester, it is clear Subaru got the message and is now just playing out the string until the Tribeca ends production after the 2013 model year. Reports have it that the Toyota-Subaru partnership that spawned the BRZ/FR-S sports car might also lead to joint replacement of the Highlander/Tribeca.

Bottom line is that the Tribeca is getting long in the tooth and offers nothing new for 2012. The shortcomings, like what seems like an antiquated five-speed transmission, and the non-telescoping steering column, put it considerably behind other $40,000 vehicles in the market.

All that said, at a fire-sale price, the Tribeca could be a screaming buy in the coming 24 months or so. It's a sporty driver, with a strong engine and tried-and-true all-wheel drive. The tranny shifts are sometimes clunky and the throttle tip-in is touchy, but overall it's a strong driver, with a reasonable ride and good interior room.